Foscarbidopa And Foslevodopa (Subcutaneous)
Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa is a combination medicine used in adults to treat advanced Parkinson's disease.
Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Foscarbidopa And Foslevodopa (Subcutaneous)?
You should not use foscarbidopa and foslevodopa if you are allergic to it.
Do not use foscarbidopa and foslevodopa if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you take foscarbidopa and foslevodopa.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- sleepiness or problems falling asleep suddenly during the day;
- heart disease, abnormal heart rate, high blood pressure, or heart attack;
- problems with muscle movement;
- unusual changes in mood or behavior, hallucinations;
- increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges;
- glaucoma; or
- if you drink alcohol.
It is not known if foscarbidopa and foslevodopa will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Foscarbidopa And Foslevodopa (Subcutaneous)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, aggressive, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fever, very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion;
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real);
- bruising, swelling, warmth, redness, oozing, or bleeding where an injection was given;
- uncontrolled muscle movements, blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights; or
- high blood pressure, fast or pounding heartbeats, or chest pain.
You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.
Your dose may be reduced or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- infection where an injection was given;
- drowsiness;
- uncontrolled muscle movements; or
- hallucinations.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Foscarbidopa And Foslevodopa (Subcutaneous) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known if foscarbidopa and foslevodopa will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Foscarbidopa And Foslevodopa (Subcutaneous)?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries. Also avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Foscarbidopa And Foslevodopa (Subcutaneous)?
Use Foscarbidopa And Foslevodopa (Subcutaneous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Foscarbidopa and foslevodopa is injected under the skin using an infusion pump over a 24-hour period.
A healthcare provider will program the pump and show you how to use it. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
A healthcare provider will show you where to inject foscarbidopa and foslevodopa. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row. Remember to change the skin site where the infusion is injected at least every 3 days.
Do not inject within 2 inches of your navel (belly button), or areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or has scars.
You may be given instructions to take oral carbidopa and levodopa if you stop the infusion for longer than 1 hour.
You may stop this medicine for a short amount of time to do things like take a shower or medical procedure. You may need to give loading dose if you stop the infusion for longer than 3 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Do not stop using foscarbidopa and foslevodopa suddenly, or you could have unpleasant symptoms (such as fever, confusion, or muscle stiffness). Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.
You may need frequent vision exams.
Each vial (bottle) is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store this medicine in the original container in the refrigerator, do not freeze or shake the medicine.
You may store this medicine at room temperature for up to 28 days. Throw the medicine away if not used within 28 days. Do not put it back into the refrigerator.
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.